Often, I hear people say, they have no plan and they have a flying by the seat of their pants lifestyle. I like a little spontaneity and excitement, but it’s not a satisfying way to live. A plan fulfills a purpose. Without a plan or vision, we feel lost and overwhelmed. This reminds me of a proverb that states, “where there is no vision, the people perish.” It’s good for us to set goals or intentions. It gives a sense of accomplishment and growth. I have also learned I do not accomplish as much and know what I am fully capable of when I do have a plan or goals.

Having a plan or a vision begins with asking yourself some questions. I recommend journaling these answers; and as you do you can start to see the vision take shape.

  1. What is the vision I have for myself?
  2. Where do I want to be?
  3. What does this look like?
  4. What are some obstacles holding me from getting there?
  5. What resources do I need to achieve the vision?

where there is no vision, people perish.” It’s good for us to set goals or intentions. It gives a sense of accomplishment and growthThe last 2 questions are critical. Sometimes obstacles we have to overcome are ourselves. This is when you may identify some fear or thinking you aren’t enough in some way. I think this may be the real crux of the reason why people do not have a vision and the consequences that it does to our self-perception. This is why I think journaling is good, to confront these internal issues is so helpful. Finally, the last question allows us to identify what we need that is going to get us there.

Now that you have identified a vision, goal-setting helps you get there. Goals are like cutting your meat on your plate into pieces. They have to be broken down to be manageable and attainable sizes, otherwise you choke. The best way I have learned to set goals or make a plan is by doing the same thing and categorizing them. I have a personal and professional plan. My personal is broken down into subcategories: relationships, self-care, spiritual, home. Then I list out my goals for each. I use the SMART acronym.

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Attainable
  • Realistic
  • Time limited

A measurable goal asks how much or how many.  For example, under my self-care category, workout 3 times this week. An example of unattainable and unrealistic goal for me is 7 times. An example of a time limited goal is to have coffee with 3 new contacts in the next 6 weeks. Time and numbers are usually a sign of a good goal-setting. I tell people start small, so you can see progress and maintain the motivation to continue. People give up when they don’t see progress or set unrealistic goals.

I think the main thing is to start somewhere, start small, and take steps. Do not overwhelm yourself and do not limit yourself. Be a woman with a plan, someone that casts a vision for your life.

 


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